In his defense, the only reason he wilted in the Western Australia heat this week is that he's doing something about it - the former spouse of Britney Spears is filming Excess Baggage, the Aussie version of Celebrity Fit Club.

For the second time this season, Chris Rene broke out an original song on The X Factor.

The performance followed a cover of Rihanna's "Live Your Life," and received nothing but praise from the judges. Nicole Scherzinger told Rene the sky is "the limit" for him, while Paula Abdul told him to "trust the universe" for some reason. As for Simon Cowell?

First, Melanie Amaro sped up the Grammy winner's "Someone Like You," turning the ballad into a dance track. Elsewhere, Josh Krajcik belted out a version of "Something" and was told by Nicole Scherzinger that he's akin to a "male Adele."

Viewers were treated to a double dose of Melanie Amaro on The X Factor last night.

With the show asking contestants to perform a pair of covers - first, a dance remix; then, a song of their own choosing - the season's favorite took full advantage of her time in the spotlight, mixing up Adele's smash "Someone Like You" and then slowing it down for a version of "When You Believe."